Issues:

Iran
Ukraine
ISIL
Cuba
Israel/Palestine
North Korea

Issue: _______________Cuba___________________________________________
Background Information:
In the 196Cuban embargo began 1960s after Fidel Castro nationalized US oil companies in Cuba without
compensation
Embargo was strengthened by the Cuban Democracy Act and Helms-Burton Act of 1996 (CFR)
Conditions for terminating the embargo include improved human rights in Cuba (ProCon)
Most companies whose facilities were nationalized have dropped their claims.
50 years of sanctions have not hurt the Castro Regime.
In 1998 the US Defense Intelligence agency released a report saying that Cuba does not pose a threat to the US or
any of the countries that surround Cuba. (ProCon.Org)

Perspective 1: Summarize in your own words one side

or point of view on the issue. Include the
demographics of people who feel that way as well as
major figures both in and outs of politics who take this
position.

Perspective 2: Summarize in your own words one side

or point of view on the issue. Include the demographics
of people who feel that way as well as major figures
both in and outs of politics who take this position.

Relations should be normalized because the embargo

Relations should not be normalized because Cuba has
hasnt worked to improve human rights. It is a
not met the human rights standards that we demanded
toothless embargo because the US is the only nation
for the embargo to be ended.
with an embargo on Cuba and the EU and Canada
trade freely with this country. (ProCon.Org)
Normalizing relations would stimulate our economy
and help the people of Cuba.
Your Opinion: In one sentence, state your stand on the issue.
Relations should be normalized because the embargo has been ineffective and ending it would improve our
economy, and our reputation with the UN.

Evidence:
the annual cost to the US economy could be as high as
$4.84 billion in agricultural exports

Analysis: Why is this evidence compelling/persuasive?

Is the author credible? How does this fit into your
overall reasoning about the topic?
The embargo is hurting the US economy

Evidence: What is one piece of evidence from your

research (specific fact, statistic or quote from an
expert) that supports your stand.

Analysis: Why is this evidence compelling/persuasive?

Is the author credible? How does this fit into your
overall reasoning about the topic?

50 years of sanctions have not toppled the Castro

Economic sanctions have not hurt the Castro Regime, so

regime

they are inneffective.

Challenge: Either identify a Constitutional Principle Link or a Current Events Headline that goes with your issue.
Issues:

Iran
Ukraine
ISIL
Cuba
Israel/Palestine
North Korea

Issue: _______________Cuba___________________________________________
Background Information:
Cuban embargo began 1960s after Fidel Castro nationalized US oil companies in Cuba without compensation
Embargo was strengthened by the Cuban Democracy Act and Helms-Burton Act of 1996 (CFR)
Conditions for terminating the embargo include improved human rights in Cuba (ProCon)
Most companies whose facilities were nationalized have dropped their claims.
50 years of sanctions have not hurt the Castro Regime.
In 1998 the US Defense Intelligence agency released a report saying that Cuba does not pose a threat to the US or
any of the countries that surround Cuba. (ProCon.Org)

Perspective 1: Summarize in your own words one side

or point of view on the issue. Include the
demographics of people who feel that way as well as
major figures both in and outs of politics who take this
position.

Perspective 2: Summarize in your own words one side

or point of view on the issue. Include the demographics
of people who feel that way as well as major figures
both in and outs of politics who take this position.

Relations should be normalized because the embargo

Relations should not be normalized because Cuba has
hasnt worked to improve human rights. It is a
not met the human rights standards that we demanded
toothless embargo because the US is the only nation
for the embargo to be ended.
with an embargo on Cuba and the EU and Canada
trade freely with this country. (ProCon.Org)
Normalizing relations would stimulate our economy
and help the people of Cuba.
Your Opinion: In one sentence, state your stand on the issue.
Relations should be normalized because the embargo has been ineffective and ending it would improve our
economy, and our reputation with the UN.

Evidence:
the annual cost to the US economy could be as high as
$4.84 billion in agricultural exports

Analysis: Why is this evidence compelling/persuasive?

Is the author credible? How does this fit into your
overall reasoning about the topic?
The embargo is hurting the US economy

Evidence: What is one piece of evidence from your

Analysis: Why is this evidence compelling/persuasive?

research (specific fact, statistic or quote from an

expert) that supports your stand.

Is the author credible? How does this fit into your

overall reasoning about the topic?

50 years of sanctions have not toppled the Castro

regime

Economic sanctions have not hurt the Castro Regime, so

they are inneffective.

Challenge: Either identify a Constitutional Principle Link or a Current Events Headline that goes with your issue.